“I like to drive by later and tell people I helped plant this beautiful garden.” — Corporate volunteer

More than 5,000 Western Pennsylvanians help beautify our region each year by planting more than 200,000 flowers. Our “Community Cultivators” range in age from 8 to 80 and come from all walks of life. They live in city neighborhoods, suburbs and rural communities. Some have never planted before; others are skilled gardeners and have been planting with us for years.

“We like to do this as a family thing…” — Family planting at the Liberty Tunnel

What Cultivators Do

As a Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Cultivator, here is what you can expect:

• You will be planting and mulching annual flowers.
• The planting activities will take about four hours.
• Children are welcome under adult supervision (planting day is not usually appropriate for children under eight).
• We plant rain or shine, usually in the morning.
• The Conservancy provides the plants, general planting instructions, plastic gloves (though you are welcome to bring your own), and safety vests for all volunteers.
• Dress for the weather—layers if it is cool, raingear if it is wet, sunscreen and hats for bright days. You will get dirty!
• Wear sturdy shoes (no sandals!) to protect your feet.
• Bring some water (and snacks if you wish).

Where Are the Gardens?

Our gardens range in size from small beds to large and dramatic plantings. We plant at schools, in neighborhoods, along busy highways, in downtowns and business districts, at bridges and other landmarks or gateways in our region. We plant gardens in 19 counties. Take a look at our gardens by clicking here.

How Gardens Are Maintained

Each garden has a trained Garden Steward who tends the garden once it is planted and keeps it looking beautiful throughout the growing season. Gardens are planted on public land. All projects are partnerships among local community groups, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and the local municipality.

“I love to plant this garden so I can make things more beautiful.” —Youth volunteer 
 

Become a Garden Steward

We are always looking for new Garden Stewards to help tend gardens during the growing season. Most Stewards visit their gardens once a week for watering and weeding. Some larger gardens have groups that tend them as part of their organizational activities.

What You Will Take Away

As a Community Cultivator, you will have the satisfaction of meeting other people who care about making the world a more beautiful place, and of watching your efforts grow into an inspiring landmark!

Sign Up

Sign up to be a Community Cultivator gardensgreenspace@paconserve.org or contact us at (412) 586-2324.